Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
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Manufacturer details
- Dimensions: 129 x 34.5 x 60.7 cm (50.8 x 13.6 x 23.9 Inches)
- Weight: 55 kg (121 lbs)
- Frequency response: 35Hz – 50KHz
- Sensitivity: 88 dB /1W
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Recommended Amplifier: 50W
- Tweeter: 1 x Børresen planar ribbon tweeter
- Midrange/Bass: 1 x Børresen bass/midrange driver: 4.5 inches
- Bass: 2 x Børresen bass driver: 4.5 inches
- Finish: Black or white piano lacquer
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-se...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand distinguishes itself through its implementation of iron-free magnet systems in its dynamic drivers, designed to significantly reduce inductance and improve driver control, linearity, and overall sonic purity.
- Borresen speakers utilize a proprietary ribbon tweeter, offering a lightweight membrane for exceptional speed, clarity, and extended high-frequency response.
- The company produces its own proprietary capacitors, voice coils, and baskets for use in the speaker crossovers.
Select products
Børresen X6
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and accessibility.
- Description: Offers a strong entry into high-end audio with its advanced spread-tow carbon membrane, ensuring maximum stiffness and minimal noise. Unlike the more premium M-series, uses a simplified magnetic motor system with double copper caps, making it more cost-effective while still delivering impressive sound quality. Ideal for those with budget constraints seeking high performance in smaller spaces.
Børresen C1
- Positioning: High-end stand-mounted speaker, focused on precision and design.
- Description: Features the RP94 ribbon tweeter, providing exceptional speed and clarity. Compared to the X6, the advanced magnetic motor system and laminated carbon fiber membrane offer superior sound detail and depth.
Børresen Z5
- Positioning: Top-end of the Z-series, offering high-end performance with conventional components.
- Description: Features a high-efficiency ribbon tweeter and a unique magnet system, delivering clarity and dynamics akin to the 0-series but at a more accessible price point.
Børresen 05
- Positioning: Flagship model of the 0-series, representing the pinnacle of Børresen's technology.
- Description: Equipped with an iron-free magnet system and a composite membrane, delivering exceptional sound purity and precision. Surpasses the Z5 in terms of technological sophistication.
Børresen M6
- Positioning: Premium model in the M-series, blending form and performance.
- Description: Features a zirconium basket and a multi-layered membrane, providing outstanding stiffness and resonance control. Compared to the 05, offers enhanced musicality and aesthetic design.
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Used
Borresen
What if you spend more?
The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new intro-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X6 is equipped with 6 of the 4.5″ X-series drivers. These drivers are interconnected so that two units work together as bass/midrange and 4 units work together as bass speaker drivers. This approach ultimately results in increased speed, precision, and depth, which enriches the speaker with much more musicality.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Dramatic, futuristic appearance with science-fiction-solidified, large wedges of carbon fiber that look like they are approaching warp speed while standing still
- Tight and quick bass due to the four smaller drivers working in concert
- Silky yet extended treble
- Image in the room was delightful in its solidity, with vivid imaging, giving equal weight to lateral staging and depth delineation
- Very good value for money when compared to their competitors
Product Considerations
- Finishes of the cabinets are limited to two colors (black and white)
- A run-in period is needed to get rid of the slight brittleness in the drivers when box-fresh
- A big loudspeaker, so ensure adequate space for them to breathe
- Backloading of bass may cause some positioning problems in some rooms
- One reviewer noted a fairly wide trough, centered at roughly 200Hz, that maxed out at nearly 10dB, so music that relies on this power region may not sound as good
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arrete´: The reviewer preferred the isobaric bass of the R6s, though the price difference certainly does make one sit up and take notice, and in every other way—in the reviewer's opinion—the Børresen X6s outperform the Audiovectors, though it's a fairly close run race
- Vs Børresen X3: The X6 offer a bigger 'feel' and digs a bit deeper in the bottom end than the X3
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature: Crossover between the midranges and the tweeter rivaled the clarity of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature
Takeaway: The Børresen X6 speakers offer excellent value for the money and create a sense of scale uncommon in speakers at this price. With adequate space and solid amplification, these speakers offer a very attractive proposition.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The principle that guided the development of the Z-series loudspeakers was to provide an uncompromising high-end audio performance with more conventional components than the 0-Series. The technology behind the Z-series consists of electronic components that are either adopted from the 0-series, completely redesigned, or are innovative spin offs resulting from Børresen Acoustics' extensive audio research activities.
Elaborate finite element methods have been applied to linearize and optimize the magnetic flux field, to facilitate driver movement and to ensure high efficiency and outstanding linearity. The efficiency of this closed ribbon tweeter amounts to an exceptional 94dB and operates from approximately 2.5 kHz upwards. The moving mass is extremely low at 0.01 grams. The totally concealed tweeter has the capacity to operate at an incredible speed, which is an absolute prerequisite to unlocking the most subtle and refined sound details of any kind of music. The enormous robustness of this tweeter allows it to handle extremely high transient peaks without any ear fatiguing breakups. No transformers are being used.
The Børresen membrane consists of a composite of two layers of very thin carbon on both sides of a 4 mm Nomex honeycomb core. This composite structure – like the one used in formula 1 type of racing cars – provides the ultimate combination of stiffness to weight ratio. The exceptionally low weight of only 5.5 grams allows a very high acceleration factor in the driver, resulting in both outstanding resolution and higher efficiency.
With the invention of the patented iron-free driver system in the 0-series, Børresen Acoustics came to realize that it is possible to reduce induction to an amazing 0.04 mH, which is approximately 10 times lower than that of common driver systems. The challenge for manufacturing the Z-series was to design a new, but less costly driver system with significantly reduced induction. As a result, Børresen Acoustics developed a driver with an 8 mm voice coil and an induction of only 0.06 mH. By linearizing the magnetic field, the driver is less affected by the actual movement and is more easily controlled by the amplifier.
The Z-series is fitted with a parallel crossover configuration using the same exclusive components from the 0-series. This ensures a very mechanically stable crossover, which minimizes its own resonance.
The design of the Z2 and Z3 models are spin offs from the development of the 0-series. These speakers are equipped with the large 8" inch bass drivers placed closer to the floor. Since the speakers are now acoustically much better integrated into the room, the bass drivers can deliver the music with a remarkably deep and tight bass.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Better-controlled and more extended bass than expected for its size
- High detail level presented in a fluent and musical fashion
- Ribbon tweeter is dynamic and precise
- Creates a truly wide and deep soundstage with proper spacing
Product Considerations
- Requires a bit of space to achieve the recommended three-meter spacing between speakers
- Initial results may seem thick and dull, requiring a run-in period
- Requires at least a 50W amplifier for good control
Takeaway: The Børresen Z2 is a capable loudspeaker that delivers a detailed and musical sound, especially with a powerful amplifier. Its ability to create a wide soundstage makes it an attractive addition to a high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
- Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
- Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
- Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
- Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic
Product Considerations
- A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
- Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
- Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
- Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
- Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
- Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
- Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
- Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass
Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
- Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
- Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
- The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
- Represents a significant investment
- While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
- Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency
Takeaway:
The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
- The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
- A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
- The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.
Product Considerations
- A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
- Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
- It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
- Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
- Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.
Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved feet allow for easier positioning by 'walking' the speaker into place
- New MPD III tweeter provides more detail while remaining smooth
- Demonstrates effortless presentation of scale and space, especially with demanding material
- Faithful communicator of musical color and character, capable of parsing subtleties of instrumental and vocal color
- Delivers soul-satisfying punch from electric bass and kick drum, transient crispness from keyboards and guitars, and a full-bodied reediness from alto sax
Product Considerations
- These speakers are power-hungry
- The Platinum 300 3G is a large loudspeaker, so it will dominate all but the most spacious listening rooms and is a two-person lift, minimum
- Decent money needs to be spent on partnering electronics
- A fair bit of space is needed to do their thing
- The level of control Monitor Audio asserts becomes inappropriate when the music is compressed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Generation 3 has improved in just about every way when compared to the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 2nd Generation
- Many engineering innovations found in Hyphn have "trickled down" to the current Platinum Series models, especially the transducers, when compared to the Monitor Audio Hyphn
Takeaway: The Platinum 300 3G offers a refined and smooth sound with great dynamics, making it an absolute value for its price range. It's a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built product that is imperturbable with dynamic material and a faithful communicator.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range are delivered across all genres of music, revealing intricate details in tracks
- A big, spacious, and incredibly well-focused soundstage is produced
- The cabinet is expertly engineered to minimize resonances, and the speakers are built to order
- The 12th generation Uni-Q driver array ensures seamless and accurate sound dispersion
- The speakers are relatively easy to control, even for a 60 watt amp
Product Considerations
- Quite a lot of power is demanded to sound their best, and entry-level class D amplifiers may not be suitable
- The bass may not be deep enough for some listeners, though this can be adjusted with different port tubes
- Source and amplifier quality is revealed, sounding thin or lifeless with entry- to mid-level equipment
- A big room is needed to unleash the fullest potential
- The highs can be fatiguing and harsh if the music is played at higher volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Klipsch Cornwall 4, the Reference 3 Meta has better overall clarity, transparency, and integration
- Compared to Reference 5 Meta, the Reference 3 Meta performs 95% as good as the Reference 5 Meta
- Compared to Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III, the KEF has better dynamics, but Olympica Nova III shares the warm richness and resolution
- Compared to Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4, B&W is in the same class as the Reference 5 Meta
- The KEF Reference 3 Meta has qualities close to Focal Sopra N°2 and is worth comparing with
Takeaway: The KEF Reference 3 Meta provides a detailed and engaging listening experience with great imaging and clarity. If you want premium sound and are willing to invest in quality amplification, these speakers could be a great fit for your system.
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